THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
- Thread starter fgl
- Start date
iverson763
New member
ay, currently hull one of the top 3 teams. no embarrasement there.
yea right. *snigger*
loldude333
New member
Haha up ur point guitarsan. To me, Spurs just have to get over that mental block. Look at their players! Modric, Bentley, Bale. More than enough quality to pull them outta that relegation mire. Only time will tell whether they are successful though..............but the drop seems a little too far-fetched for Spurs. Now Newcastle, that's different. Only good players are Owen, Martins, N'Zogbia. And 2 out of 3 are injured, and the other injury-free one is super-injury prone. And Joe Kinnear? Please don't mention survival.
loldude333
New member
Haha fgl bro u got nothing to worry abt.............besides theo, arsenal ain't got no ingelund players so the guys'll be rested in time for nxt wk eh?
fgl
Well-known member
Everton
official
- Referee
Peter Walton
By Richard Clarke
Arsenal’s real title bid starts at precisely 3pm on Saturday.
The Premier League maybe already two months or seven games old but during that time there have been a couple of breaks for international games.
While these have been great for Fabio Capello’s England they can be frustrating for those who focus more on the club game. In the past they have also hit Arsenal three ways - points, momentum and players.
However there will be no more breaks now until February, by which time we will have a strong idea of Arsenal’s potential this season. That is why Wenger will ask his team to put their foot to floor in their ‘season’s opener’.
“I believe that this is a new start,” he said. “In fact it is the real start of the season because there is now no interruptions anymore. It looks like to me there is a new championship starting.”
It would be too strong to say that Arsenal would like to begin this particular championship again. But two defeats is two too many at this stage – especially as they came against clubs expected to battle against the drop.
Last term, Arsenal were defeated just three times in total and two of those came at Chelsea and Manchester United – arguably their toughest fixtures.
Wenger’s men are hardly struggling right now. They sit fourth with 13 points out of 21. But consistency is the key. This season, to coin a phrase, when Arsenal are good they are very, very good and when they are bad they are... well... pretty horrid.
Only a last-gasp Cesc Fabregas goal at Sunderland last time out saved them from a third defeat. Wenger knows another reverse could leave them playing a long, drawn-out game of catch-up.
“I think if you ask me how many games I think we can lose I would say zero,” said the Frenchman. “I always start a season thinking you cannot lose a game, but we have lost two already and we are in a position where we have given ourselves a handicap.
“I still think it is manageable to get back to the top. I know that there is not a lot of margin of error left but I still think we can do that.”
International duty has cost Arsenal the services of William Gallas (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (knee), Nicklas Bendtner (ankle) and Johan Djourou (concussion).
Cesc Fabregas will play with a broken nose and Robin van Persie is OK despite suffering a muscle problem in the early stages of international duty.
You could presume Wenger will withdraw Emmanuel Eboue into the right back berth with Mikael Silvestre making his Arsenal debut in the centre. The return of Abou Diaby means the manager has plenty of personnel in midfield but, if Theo Walcott is rested, there is the possibility of Denilson moving out to the flank to accommodate Alex Song in the middle.
“We have one piece of good news which is that Diaby is back,” said Wenger. “He was out for a long time.
“And I hope that the good news is that Gallas, Sagna and Bendtner are not long injuries, the only long term ones are Eduardo and Rosicky.
“I am not frustrated at all because I know that is part of the game when they go on international duty.”
Everton have not started the season well but they did tie-up a much-anticipated new deal with manager David Moyes earlier this week. His opposite number on Saturday believes the Toffees are punching below their weight right now.
“They have a good side,” he said. “But they have missed a few players through injury like Arteta and Pienaar plus Cahill is suspended. Still, they have Yakubu and Saha up front who are coming together now.
"So, when you look at the names they have, you always expect a problem game.”
fgl
Well-known member
Arsenal
1
Everton
- Nasri 48,
- Van Persie 70,
- Walcott 90
- Osman 9
Arsenal
- Manuel Almunia
- Emmanuel Eboue
- Gael Clichy
- Mikael Silvestre
- Kolo Toure
(45) - Denilson
- Alexandre Song
- Cesc Fabregas
- Samir Nasri
(82) - Robin Van Persie
- Emmanuel Adebayor
- Substitutes
- Abou Diaby
(82) - Carlos Vela
- Theo Walcott
(45) - Aaron Ramsey
- Lukasz Fabianski
- Kieran Gibbs
- Gavin Hoyte
Having picked up just one point from their previous two Premier League games, the home fans were highly concerned when Leon Osman’s sliding shot gave the visitors a ninth-minute lead.
In truth, Arsenal were pretty average for the remainder of the first half but woke up after the interval when Theo Walcott came on.
Three minutes in, Samir Nasri fired home his third goal of the season from the edge of the area. After that Arsène Wenger’s side assumed command and, in the 70th minute, their pressure told when Robin van Persie headed home from close range after a scramble. Walcott himself added a third at the death.
Wenger was forced into major defensive changes as the Premier League returned after the international break.
National duty had cost Arsenal the services of William Gallas (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (knee), Nicklas Bendtner (ankle) and Johan Djourou (concussion). As a result, Mikael Silvestre made his debut at centre half, Alex Song was withdrawn into the right back berth and Emmanuel Eboue was stationed in front of his fellow African. In the absence of Gallas, Kolo Toure took the captain’s armband.
In the build-up to this game, Wenger had said that today felt like the start of a new season. Certainly the sunshine smacked of mid-August but, in fact, Arsenal would be caught cold.
After a bright start, Everton took the lead in the ninth minute. Osman collected a knockdown just outside the area and spread the ball wide to Steven Pienaar on the left. He skipped around Song and sent a low cross into the area. Osman timed his run perfectly to slide in a low shot just inside the near-post.
They needed a win today and, therefore, an immediate response aswell. They nearly got it on the quarter-hour when Fabregas clipped a long ball forward the sprinting Van Persie. He chested the ball clear of Joleon Lescott, the last covering defender, however his shot was straight at Tim Howard. A major, major chance.
Everton nearly profited immediately. A quick break ended with Osman letting fly from 30 yards. Silvestre flung out a foot and, thankfully for the home side, the ball drifted well past the post.
This now felt like a ‘proper’ game of top-flight English football. The two-week hiatus had seen the dying embers of summer finally extinguished. It was overcoat weather and Arsenal were up against a committed and organised Everton side. It was old-fashioned fare.
The home side’s response had all the energy you would expect. In the 15th minute, Song curled a cross to the far post, Fabregas knocked the ball down for both Denilson and Adebayor to be crowded out. Then Eboue fed Van Persie, who wastefully blazed over the bar.
However, in between, Pienaar escaped from Denilson close to the left-hand byline but his low cross had to be hastily smothered by Manuel Almunia. Everton were doing what they had to do – attack where they could but protect that lead at all costs.
On the half-hour, Tim Howard punched clear after Van Persie winged in a free-kick from the right.
Eight minutes from the break, Everton played a short corner to Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard floated the ball to the far post, Almunia tried to collect but was fairly blocked off. Lescott rose highest and directed his header back towards the near post. Fortunately Clichy had stuck to his station. The Frenchman chested the ball down and hacked it clear.
Just before the whistle, Fabregas found space on the right of the area and fired a low cross-shot past Howard.
However it had been one of those halves for Arsenal. After conceding early they had been frustrated by a side whose main qualities were simple effort and organisation.
Wenger made a significant change at the break. Toure, who had received lengthy treatment in the first half, was brought off for Walcott. It meant Song moved to centre back and Eboue to the right side of the defence.
The move made a difference. But not before Almunia had been forced to tip the ball away from the feet of Yakubu after the Nigerian striker had been given far too much room in the area.
Results often hang on moments like that and three minutes after the restart Arsenal were level when Silvestre set up Nasri to spear home a shot from outside the area through a ruck of players and into the corner.
Arsenal were now going for broke. Van Persie stung the hands of Howard with an angled shot then fizzed an effort over the bar when he should have done better.
There was a flashpoint on the hour when Tony Hibbert went in heavily on Denilson. The Everton defender was booked for the challenge as was Clichy for his reaction.
The visitors were now playing the game with 10 men behind the ball. Arsenal were pushing them back to such an extent that Yakubu was an isolated figure up front.
Eventually the pressure told and with 20 minutes left the home side’s constant probing was rewarded. Adebayor went clear on the left of the area but surprisingly spurned the opportunity to shoot, instead he squared the ball to Fabregas who saw his shot saved by Howard. However the American keeper had only batted the ball back into the area and Van Persie was on hand to steer his header just inside the far post.
A couple of minutes later the Dutchman could have killed the game when he jumped well clear of the Everton defence to meet a Fabregas corner. However his header went high over the bar.
But by this time Everton seemed a spent force. Their reaction was minimal and Arsenal made sure when Walcott fired a low shot through the legs of Howard in injury time
The England winger had been the catalyst of Arsenal’s comeback.
fgl
Well-known member
Arsène Wenger... manager reflects on 3-1 win against Everton
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3003478/first-team/arsenal-v-everton Arsenal 3-1 Everton
Barclays Premier League
Saturday, October 18, 2008, 15:00
'I was confident we could change the game'
On coming from behind to win…
"What was very important today was that the team has shown personality by being 1-0 down. We played our season today, we could not afford to drop a point.
"The way we responded when we were 1-0 down was of course vital. I wasn’t nervous at half time because I had confidence and belief that we would change the game."
On Walcott’s impact…
"I felt that it is a bit of a shortcut because I believe that the game changed before he came on. Everton had a strong start but we had three or four chances in the first half and in the last 20 minutes of the first half. You could see we were on top and that our domination would certainly increase during the second half.
"Theo came on and did very well and had an impact on the game of course but I feel the whole team played very well. It was a good test today for the team because it was a smashing game against a good Everton side. We were not only good today but we have show personality and mental strength which will be very important for the rest of the season.
"I don’t deny that I am happy and I am the first one to say that Walcott did very well when he came on. It is difficult to measure that and I believe that the whole time had constant pressure in the second half and that did not come from only one man."
On his defensive tactics…
"We were 1-0 up against Hull and we lost the game by sloppy defending. I felt that the team needs reassurance first defensively. We were in a position where we had to attack in the second half and then suddenly we look more balanced. If I decide to move Emmanuel Eboue into midfield at the start it is because I wanted a bit of defensive security. You can say to me it didn’t work and I would say ‘yes we are 1-0 down’. I knew that we could come back and score goals."
On Silvestre’s debut…
"I felt he was like the rest of the team at the start; a little bit nervous. In the first 20 minutes I thought my team were a little bit nervous. Like the team, Silvestre grew throughout the game and he had an outstanding second half."
On Hibbert’s challenge on Denilson
"It was not a good challenge but I don’t think the challenge deserved the red card. The addition of the challenge and Hibbert’s reaction, altogether, the bill could be a red."
On his injury problems…
"For Tuesday, I don’t believe we will get William Gallas or Kolo Toure back. [Nicklas] Bendtner maybe, [Johan Djourou] maybe. [Samir] Nasri could be fit for Tuesday. Toure twisted a ligament in his shoulder and he looks to be out. We have to assess that tomorrow morning but it doesn’t look too good."
On seeing Chelsea run riot at the Riverside…
"For me, big results like that have no meaning. 5-0 Is not the difference between Middlesbrough and Chelsea. I watched the first 20 minutes and you could see that Middlesbrough has one of these days. They had a bad day at the office today. Every little deflection went for Chelsea and they didn’t ever need to get out of second gear to win the game. I don’t believe we saw the real Middlesbrough today, they are a good side and it is a difficult place for everybody to go."
fgl
Well-known member
Cesc Fabregas... committed to Arsenal
Fabregas - Contract story is mischief-making
Cesc Fabregas has dismissed reports that he has turned down a new contract as "mischief-making".
It was suggested in Sunday's newspapers that the Spanish midfielder had refused a deal, perhaps paving the way for a move away from Emirates Stadium. However the 21-year-old has flatly denied the story.
"A newspaper report suggesting that I have rejected a new contract is untrue," he said.
"The article is just mischief-making. Everybody knows I have a long-term contract and that I am happy here. I'm focussed on doing my best for Arsenal."
fgl
Well-known member
Turkish delight for gunners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2
Fenerbahce
5
Arsenal
http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/robin-van-persie
By Richard Clarke at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul
Arsenal tore down the ramparts of Fenerbahce’s fortress and put themselves within touching distance of the Champions League Knockout Stages with a simply stunning 5-2 win in Turkey on Tuesday night.
Arsène Wenger’s side took the game by the scruff of the neck after 10 minutes with two Cesc Fabregas-inspired goals inside 70 seconds. The Spaniard provided wonderful throughballs for first Emmanuel Adebayor and then Theo Walcott to skip past the keeper and score with aplomb.
Mikael Silvestre’s own goal gave Fenerbahce a lifeline in the 19th minute but Abou Diaby, in his first start since April, replied almost immediately. Alex Song volleyed home a fourth just after the interval to quash any notion of a fightback.
In injury time 17-year-old Arsenal substitute Aaron Ramsey even managed to grab his first goal in red-and-white.
It had been a drubbing. Arsenal had torn the hosts apart in the opening half and that had been enough to take three wonderful points.
Fenerbache maybe struggling right now but this result should not be underestimated. Most of this side took them to the Champions League Quarter-Finals and they had not lost at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in 15 European ties. It was undoubtedly Arsenal’s best win in Europe since that legendary 5-1 win at Inter Milan five years ago.
Before kick-off Wenger had revealed that he would be keeping the defence that finished against Everton on Saturday due to injuries to William Gallas (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (knee) and Kolo Toure (shoulder).
However the Frenchman still managed to throw a curveball with the selection of Diaby ahead of Robin van Persie. The French midfielder had just eight minutes of football under his belt this term. He had been sidelined with a thigh injury all season before making a late appearance against Everton at the weekend. In fact the last time Diaby had started a game was Arsenal’s Champions League exit at Anfield at the Quarter-Final stage back in April. Even more surprisingly, the 22-year-old was stationed in a supporting role to striker Emmanuel Adebayor in front of a four-man midfield. The Frenchman had only done that job once before and that was back in April 2007 at Newcastle when Arsenal had been chronically short of forwards.
You could have argued it was a cautious tactic on paper but it did not work out that way. The Sukru Saracolgu Stadium was the expected cacophony of colour and noise before kick-off. Each home player was called over to the stands during the warm-up by the massed ranks of fans and implored to fist-pump the supporters into a greater frenzy.
However, perhaps more tellingly, the fans in one stands held up cards that spelt out one giant word – believe. It was something required by the Fenerbahce fans and players alike. Their League form had been wretched and defeat this evening would leave them all but out of the Champions League. That said, Aragones’ side nearly got the perfect start.
After two minutes, Gokhan Gonul crossed from the right to the near post, Ugur Boral controlled the ball at the near post before firing at Manuel Almunia from point-blank range. Fortunately the keeper had narrowed the angle and the ball bounced off his chest.
Arsenal created an immediate repost when Samir Nasri cut in from the left to set up Adebayor, who fired over from just outside the area. They may have been whistled every time they touched the ball but the visitors were bright and sparky. They showed just how much within 70 seconds soon afterwards.
First Fabregas split the defence with a slide-rule pass and Adebayor beat the offside trap to race on to slot past Volkan Demirel. Almost immediately it was 2-0. Again Fabregas was the provider, threading a superb low ball for the galloping Walcott. The England striker flicked the ball past Demirel but did well to fire in an accurate, angled shot from an awkward position.
It should have been three in the 13th minute. Diaby foxed Edu on the byline and his cut-back evaded a scrum of players in the middle. It found Nasri at the far post. But, by the time the French winger got his shot away, there were enough defenders back to block.
However the impetus was only back with the home side for a couple of minutes. In the 22nd minute Diaby latched on to a regulation high ball through the centre, shrugged off his marker and fired an accurate cross-shot into the far corner of the net. Again it was a fine finish but only ponderous defence from Fenerbahce allowed the opportunity there in the first place.
After that goal, the game finally caught its breath – and it needed to. Guiza put the ball past Almunia but was rightly flagged offside. Fenerbahce’s defence continued to be static with fear every time Arsenal attacked but then the visitors’ injury-hit backline was hardly water-tight this evening.
As the interval approached Guiza had two chances to get the home side back into the game. First the Spanish striker went through in the right-hand channel but dragged his cross-shot wide. In the 43rd minute he raced on to a first-time through ball from Alex. However his touch was heavy and Almunia, a former team-mate at Recreativo Huelva, rushed out to smother.
You can only assume that the Fenerbahce players had received a tongue-lashing at half-time. As well as Arsenal had played, the home side had made it all too easy.
However, whatever was said did not work as, four minutes after the restart, Arsenal scored again. Diego Lugano hauled down Nasri on the left, allowing Fabregas to fire a free-kick into the heart of the area.
Selcuk Selin inadvertently nodded the ball on and Silvestre’s touch allowed Song to crack home an angled volley from eight yards.
That goal sucked much of the life from Fenerbahce’s players and their fans. They had more of the play, Arsenal allowed that, but could not do much with it.
And an amazing episode in the 68th minute proved that when you luck is out it really is out. Edu raced through only be blocked by the sliding Almunia at the edge of the area, the ball ran loose but Guiza collected and from a tight angle fired goalwards. Gael Clichy blocked the ball again on the line. However, this time, it deflected towards Boral at the far post. Eboue threw his body at the ball and it went wide for a corner.
But it did not mean much on the night.
The final word went to Ramsey, who thumped in a cross shot from the edge of the area with the final kick of the game.
Fenerbahce
Arsenal
- Silvestre 19 (og),
- Guiza 78
- Adebayor 10,
- Walcott 11,
- Diaby 22,
- Song 49,
- Ramsey 90
http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/robin-van-persie
By Richard Clarke at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul
Arsenal tore down the ramparts of Fenerbahce’s fortress and put themselves within touching distance of the Champions League Knockout Stages with a simply stunning 5-2 win in Turkey on Tuesday night.
Arsène Wenger’s side took the game by the scruff of the neck after 10 minutes with two Cesc Fabregas-inspired goals inside 70 seconds. The Spaniard provided wonderful throughballs for first Emmanuel Adebayor and then Theo Walcott to skip past the keeper and score with aplomb.
Mikael Silvestre’s own goal gave Fenerbahce a lifeline in the 19th minute but Abou Diaby, in his first start since April, replied almost immediately. Alex Song volleyed home a fourth just after the interval to quash any notion of a fightback.
In injury time 17-year-old Arsenal substitute Aaron Ramsey even managed to grab his first goal in red-and-white.
It had been a drubbing. Arsenal had torn the hosts apart in the opening half and that had been enough to take three wonderful points.
Fenerbache maybe struggling right now but this result should not be underestimated. Most of this side took them to the Champions League Quarter-Finals and they had not lost at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in 15 European ties. It was undoubtedly Arsenal’s best win in Europe since that legendary 5-1 win at Inter Milan five years ago.
Before kick-off Wenger had revealed that he would be keeping the defence that finished against Everton on Saturday due to injuries to William Gallas (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (knee) and Kolo Toure (shoulder).
However the Frenchman still managed to throw a curveball with the selection of Diaby ahead of Robin van Persie. The French midfielder had just eight minutes of football under his belt this term. He had been sidelined with a thigh injury all season before making a late appearance against Everton at the weekend. In fact the last time Diaby had started a game was Arsenal’s Champions League exit at Anfield at the Quarter-Final stage back in April. Even more surprisingly, the 22-year-old was stationed in a supporting role to striker Emmanuel Adebayor in front of a four-man midfield. The Frenchman had only done that job once before and that was back in April 2007 at Newcastle when Arsenal had been chronically short of forwards.
You could have argued it was a cautious tactic on paper but it did not work out that way. The Sukru Saracolgu Stadium was the expected cacophony of colour and noise before kick-off. Each home player was called over to the stands during the warm-up by the massed ranks of fans and implored to fist-pump the supporters into a greater frenzy.
However, perhaps more tellingly, the fans in one stands held up cards that spelt out one giant word – believe. It was something required by the Fenerbahce fans and players alike. Their League form had been wretched and defeat this evening would leave them all but out of the Champions League. That said, Aragones’ side nearly got the perfect start.
After two minutes, Gokhan Gonul crossed from the right to the near post, Ugur Boral controlled the ball at the near post before firing at Manuel Almunia from point-blank range. Fortunately the keeper had narrowed the angle and the ball bounced off his chest.
Arsenal created an immediate repost when Samir Nasri cut in from the left to set up Adebayor, who fired over from just outside the area. They may have been whistled every time they touched the ball but the visitors were bright and sparky. They showed just how much within 70 seconds soon afterwards.
First Fabregas split the defence with a slide-rule pass and Adebayor beat the offside trap to race on to slot past Volkan Demirel. Almost immediately it was 2-0. Again Fabregas was the provider, threading a superb low ball for the galloping Walcott. The England striker flicked the ball past Demirel but did well to fire in an accurate, angled shot from an awkward position.
It should have been three in the 13th minute. Diaby foxed Edu on the byline and his cut-back evaded a scrum of players in the middle. It found Nasri at the far post. But, by the time the French winger got his shot away, there were enough defenders back to block.
However the impetus was only back with the home side for a couple of minutes. In the 22nd minute Diaby latched on to a regulation high ball through the centre, shrugged off his marker and fired an accurate cross-shot into the far corner of the net. Again it was a fine finish but only ponderous defence from Fenerbahce allowed the opportunity there in the first place.
After that goal, the game finally caught its breath – and it needed to. Guiza put the ball past Almunia but was rightly flagged offside. Fenerbahce’s defence continued to be static with fear every time Arsenal attacked but then the visitors’ injury-hit backline was hardly water-tight this evening.
As the interval approached Guiza had two chances to get the home side back into the game. First the Spanish striker went through in the right-hand channel but dragged his cross-shot wide. In the 43rd minute he raced on to a first-time through ball from Alex. However his touch was heavy and Almunia, a former team-mate at Recreativo Huelva, rushed out to smother.
You can only assume that the Fenerbahce players had received a tongue-lashing at half-time. As well as Arsenal had played, the home side had made it all too easy.
However, whatever was said did not work as, four minutes after the restart, Arsenal scored again. Diego Lugano hauled down Nasri on the left, allowing Fabregas to fire a free-kick into the heart of the area.
Selcuk Selin inadvertently nodded the ball on and Silvestre’s touch allowed Song to crack home an angled volley from eight yards.
That goal sucked much of the life from Fenerbahce’s players and their fans. They had more of the play, Arsenal allowed that, but could not do much with it.
And an amazing episode in the 68th minute proved that when you luck is out it really is out. Edu raced through only be blocked by the sliding Almunia at the edge of the area, the ball ran loose but Guiza collected and from a tight angle fired goalwards. Gael Clichy blocked the ball again on the line. However, this time, it deflected towards Boral at the far post. Eboue threw his body at the ball and it went wide for a corner.
But it did not mean much on the night.
The final word went to Ramsey, who thumped in a cross shot from the edge of the area with the final kick of the game.
fgl
Well-known member
Our ladies complete win number 99 against Birmingham City LFC
Ladies complete unbeaten League century
Arsenal Ladies reached a significant milestone at the weekend - 100 games without defeat in the Premier League.
Vic Akers' side have dominated English women's football in recent years, winning five successive League titles, and their 4-0 victory against Leeds Carnegie brought up a memorable century.
Arsenal suffered their last League defeat way back on October 16, 2003 - almost exactly five years ago. Charlton beat the Gunners 2-1 that day and both of their goalscorers have an Arsenal connection.
Eartha Pond, who started her career with the Gunners and rejoined the Club in August, fired Charlton ahead in the 16th minute. Jayne Ludlow equalised nine minutes later before former Arsenal defender Casey Stoney scored a 54th-minute winner.
Here is the complete list of Arsenal’s unbeaten League century:
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